Police conduct raid at Mobile Air in Sim Lim Square, documents seized

Plainclothes police investigators leaving Mobile Air at Sim Lim Square with boxes and equipment. -- PHOTO: SHIN MIN
Plainclothes police investigators leaving Mobile Air at Sim Lim Square with boxes and equipment. -- PHOTO: SHIN MIN
Plainclothes police investigators in Sim Lim Square retailer Mobile Air. -- PHOTO: SHIN MIN
Plainclothes police investigators movinb boxes in Sim Lim Square retailer Mobile Air. -- PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO
Plainclothes police investigators leaving Mobile Air at Sim Lim Square with boxes and equipment. -- PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO

SINGAPORE - Police raided the errant Sim Lim Square retailer, Mobile Air, on Sunday and seized documents and products from the shop.

According to Shin Min Daily News, eight plainclothes officers were at the shop for more than two hours. They left with four large boxes of documents and products. They also took with them three computer monitors, said the report.

The mobile phone shop has been under fire for the last few weeks over its unethical sales tactics. It re-opened for business on Friday, but apparently under a new owner.

Mr Ricky Lee, 33, said he had bought over the business from Mr Jover Chew and would reopen under a different name, HJ Mobile.

Mr Lee was present when officers went down to the shop on Sunday, said Lianhe Wanbao. He told the evening daily: "Police are investigating Mobile Air. This has nothing to do with me." He also added that he would consider reopening the business after sorting out some legal proceedings with his lawyer.

The police told The Straits Times on Monday that they were there to follow up on reports lodged against Mobile Air.

The authorities appear to be stepping up efforts against errant retailers. On Monday, the management of Sim Lim Square met Mr Teo Ser Luck, the Minister of Trade and Industry, to discuss how to tackle the problem.

Mr Teo said in a media statement that unfair business practices "cannot be allowed to continue unheeded" and that the Government is looking at enhancing laws and strengthening eforcement.

Meanwhile, he urged the management of Sim Lim Square to "take a strong stand against errant retailers" and to put in place measures to prevent unfair business practices. Sim Lim Square's management told him that they hoped for harsher penalties for recalcitrant shops.

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